How did you become interested in fashion design?
I became interested in fashion design through a love for storytelling and self-expression. Clothing has always felt like a powerful way to reflect who we are and what we stand for. That passion eventually evolved into creating Live Kolibri, a brand rooted in sustainability, intention, and effortless style. The name symbolizes freedom and purpose, just like the hummingbird. For me, fashion is about more than looking good…it’s about feeling connected, confident, and conscious in what you wear.
What's your favorite thing about being a fashion designer?
My favorite thing about being a fashion designer is seeing an idea go from a sketch to something real that someone wears, loves, and feels confident in. It’s incredibly rewarding to create pieces that not only look good but also tell a story, whether that’s through sustainable materials, original prints, or thoughtful design details. Knowing that my work can make people feel empowered and make a positive impact on the planet is what drives me every day.
What do you think are the most important skills for a fashion designer?
I think the most important skills for a fashion designer go beyond just creativity. Of course, having a strong eye for design, color, and silhouette is essential—but so is understanding functionality, fit, and the lifestyle of the person wearing your pieces. For me, it's also about problem-solving: how to make something sustainable, durable, and beautiful at the same time. You need to stay adaptable, detail-oriented, and always open to learning. And if you’re building a brand like Live Kolibri, leadership, communication, and a clear sense of purpose are just as important as design itself.
How important is sustainability in your designs?
Sustainability is at the core of everything I design. I started Live Kolibri with the goal of creating beautiful, high-quality pieces without compromising the planet. That means using recycled materials, minimizing waste, and partnering with ethical manufacturers. I’ve always wanted to move away from fast fashion, the overproduction, the environmental damage, the throwaway culture. Instead, we focus on timeless designs that last, both in quality and style. For me, fashion should feel good and do good.
How do you balance creativity with wearability in your designs?
For me, the challenge, and the fun, of fashion design is finding that balance between creativity and everyday wearability. I love pushing boundaries with colors, prints, and silhouettes, but it’s just as important that every piece feels effortless and functional. With Live Kolibri, I design with real life in mind - our pieces are meant to move with you, feel good on your skin, and hold up over time. We use durable, sustainable fabrics so that everything not only looks great but also lasts season after season. To me, true style is when something makes a statement and stands the test of time.
What's your favorite fashion show you've ever attended?
We’ve had the honor of showing at San Diego Swim Week, New York Fashion Week, the LA Fashion Show, and Miami Swim Week—twice! But our most recent Miami Swim Week was by far our favorite. We debuted our newest women’s bikini and cover-up collection, and the response was incredible. The energy, creativity, and support from the crowd made it such a special moment for Live Kolibri. It was the perfect setting to showcase our sustainable swimwear—pieces that are bold, flattering, and designed to move with you. Seeing our vision come to life on that runway was unforgettable and left us so excited for what’s ahead.
